Grief Research Project
A 16-week project into the evaluation of clinical massage for the overall wellbeing
in adults who have experienced Bereavement.
Recruitment for this project is now closed, thank you for your interest.
Bereavement and the body.
Grief is something we all experience at some stage in our lives in various ways, and is something that has come up in clinic a lot over the years. The loss of a loved one can manifest within our bodies physically, leading to a chronic pain and tensions. Whilst I don’t think there is any right or wrong way to grieve, I truly believe every body is worthy and deserving of compassionate support.
My personal Journey with Clinical Massage and Grief
I’m Bethany, an Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist based in London and South Oxfordshire, currently studying a BTEC Level 6 at the Jing Institute. With nearly five years of clinical experience, alongside my own personal journey with grief, I’ve seen how profoundly grief can impact both the body and mind. Research shows that grief is an embodied experience, often presenting as heightened stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms such as pain or tension. Clinical massage offers a supportive space for rest and regulation, helping clients access the parasympathetic nervous system and find moments of calm during an otherwise overwhelming time. While not a cure, it can play a meaningful role in supporting emotional wellbeing, easing stress and anxiety, and managing physical discomfort.
What the project will include
Discovery Call
Once you have expressed your interest, we will arrange a 1-1 zoom call to discuss inclusivity, your basic medical history as well as informed consent.
A Weekly Survey
For the first six weeks of the project, you will be asked to fill in a questionnaire via an online form. This form will take 5 minutes of your time.
Online & In Person Massage
For the intervention period of the project you will be asked to participate in alternating weeks of in person massage and online self massage.
What is the Jing Method™?
The Jing Method™ is a East meets West blend of massage techniques that supports the body through the lense of the Biopsychosocial model. Using the Jing method Chronic stress protocol, allows us to mindfully bring together slow and intentional advanced techniques, combined with Myofascial release and acupressure points to support the nervous system. From the aches and pains we may experience in the throes of grief, to the emotional overwhelm we encounter in the time after the passing of a loved one. In my clinical experience, this protocol of techniques has been able to support someone to ease, soften and even take stock just for that hour and beyond.
Suitable for
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Adults who have experienced stress, anxiety or low mood due to bereavement (identified by a positive on the DASS42 questionnaire).
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Availability for all online forms, in person massage, online self massage classes as well as weekly self care
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Adults who can get to the clinic in Waterloo or Thame for in the 3 person sessions
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Access to the internet for the 3 online self massage classes.
Not suitable for
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Those who have experienced loss in the past 6 months
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Those who are pregnant currently
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Those who have recently started new medication
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Those who cannot commit to any of the dates or asks of the research project
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Particular mental illness diagnosis or chronic pain condition which can be discussed via call
Recruitment for this project is now closed, thank you for your interest.
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Monday & Tuesday
Waterloo body station
42-43 Lower Marsh
SE1 7RG